Commission encourages deployment of public wireless broadband services in Europe
A recommendation calling on Member States to facilitate the deployment of public radio local area networks (R-LAN), was adopted by the European Commission on 20 March. Up until now, asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) technology and television cable networks have been the two most obvious broadband options available to the public. While R-LAN technology, also referred to as wireless LAN, was initially developed for internal corporate use, there is growing recognition that this type of platform can be used to access the Internet in public areas such as airports, train stations and shopping centres. Commenting on the recommendation, Erkki Liikanen, European Commissioner for Enterprise and Information Society said that 'It is an important step for the deployment of multi-platform and high speed Internet connections. The R-LAN technology will give European citizens ready access to the knowledge based society when in public places and away from their home location, and will be complementary to other means to access broadband services.' The recommendation is in response to the policy objective set by the European Council to develop multiple broadband access platforms. Promoting broadband services is also stipulated in the eEurope action plan and the recent communication 'electronic communications: the road to knowledge'. In terms of deployment, the recommendation calls on Member States to avoid imposing sector specific conditions. Instead, it advises that the deployment of such networks should be subject only to general authorisations in line with the authorisation directive on electronic communications networks and services. The newly adopted regulatory framework on electronic communication networks and services will also provide a basis for cooperation between Member States on the introduction of such services. The next phase of action is expected to examine the frequency usage parameters required for implementing R-LAN networks. The second phase will coincide with a conference on radio communication in June, which will aim to establish a suitable radio spectrum for R-LAN networks.